#im so fucking lucky that bio sticks in my head the way it does cause otherwise i would have been absolutely fucked

[berfometalpha]

Legacy of Eternity Chapter 2: Side Story I AM NO HERO  part 2: The Start of Something

Mystery, After arriving in the Academy the young knight and his team were dropped into one of the ring’s of temperance. Here each candidate from each legion from all corners of creation is tested, tempered, broken, rebuilt, broken again, until a knight is born from the broken remains of each candidate.

Marines are trained to the point they rival a knight without the augmentations Kent and his team made their way into the inner workings of the Facility. As they arrived at the end of the tram-line the unsettling feeling of fear came to each one of them as many of their comrades died when the facility came to life on its own.

“At least the Tram works...” Clayton added.

“True, does anyone get the Eerie feeling in this place... It gives me the creeps.” Rex added.

“True it’s as if this place died but never left at all...” Marky added. 

“I’m just saying the Judicators did drop us from the stratosphere without any proper warning and we just fought our way through a pact of monstrous wolf like things and barely survived that while we are in a creepy, somewhat damp, weird looking ancient facility... And the Judicators decided to send a bunch of teenagers except for Rex who is a father of 2... Who basically had individual combat experience but not actual warfare and anti-demon combat experience... Am I missing something in this picture Boss?” Clayton asked.

“I think you covered most of it Clay but we should hurry up and get to the Command hub and get the Disruptor rings off so Lily can pick us up soon.” Kent added as he looked around.

“Damn it’s dark in here anyone got an omni flare?” Marky asked.

“I got one ass wipe... Everyone CLEAR!” Clayton shouted.

Clayton aimed a flare gun at the main hall and fired the flare as it bounced off the wall it left a light trail that acted as a torch that lasts for at least 5 to 7 hours.

“We should be good on lights boss... But man this isn’t what i am expecting...” Clayton said.

The Facility held many bones and a festering smell of fresh corpses which was odd as the facility was only found recently and no marine and candidate had reached that far aside from Team Zero.

“Everyone... wear your bio-mask we don’t know what to expect... it would be better to be safe than sorry.” Kent ordered.

They proceeded into the depths of the facility as the toxicity levels raised the deeper they went in. Eunice hacked into one of the available computers at the end of corridor 1 as they needed to purge the toxins that built up over the centuries of decay.

After many minutes of walking they hit a fork in the hall way Eunice pulled her intercom finding the left corridor leads to the command hub while the other leads to the power room and another section that is currently closed off.

“Hmm, I know this wont sound good but... We will have to split up sir.” Rex suggested.

“Right, Exercise caution everyone... Eunice, and Clayton your with me... Rex, Marky and Genji you three go to the Power generators and re-activate it...” Kent ordered.

“Alright you three be careful... The last thing we need is more surprises...” Rex added.

With a nod the team split up as one headed to the power room while the other went to the command hub. 

Team one searched the corridor for some supplies they can use but they were not expecting to find anything until they reached a massive security door.

“I can rip this door open but it would rip my bio-tendons... Hmm Eunice can you hack the door controls?” Kent asked.

“I can... But let’s see here can you help me with removing the panel here please?” Eunice asked.

The young knight turned his finger’s into high frequency claws and tore open the control panel as Eunice began hacking the door leading to the command hub.

She sat on some rubble as she began to hack the security frame on the doors while she was hard at work Clayton patrolled the area to find some supplies Kent on the other hand sat down next to her.

“This might take some time so feel free to do what you want.” Eunice said.

“Alright... What was it that you wanted to talk about earlier?” Kent asked.

“Oh... Ugh... I just wanted to say thanks for saving what was left of my team...” Eunice replied.

“Their is no need for you to apologize... WE have to stand together if we want to make it through any challenge... And my Good Friend Lily was with you I wanted to look out for her as well...” Kent explained. 

“I see so you and Lily don’t have any sort of relationship other than being a brother and sister like ordeal?” Eunice asked.

“Yes, I consider her as a sister and a good friend... I can count on her for anything and I will always have her back...” Kent said with a smile.

“You know Kent... You stick out like a sore thumb... no offense.” Eunice added.

“How so?” Kent asked.

“You, left yourself behind to face off against the Grey wolves, you even fought the security drones which are ranked 42 in terms of strength and you took down about a dozen of them maybe even more...” Eunice stated.

“I just got lucky... Besides every life saved is better than losing more people since we are in the academy and numbers will serve us better in the long run.” Kent answered as he stabbed Trail blazer on the floor.

“We’ll luck or not... You my friend are a hero in every sense of the word... Your courageous, stronger than any candidate including those assholes from the 1st legion, and you always take care of those who need you... You are a hero... to be honest with you... We could use a hero back home to be honest...” Eunice said as she looked down.

“I heard that after the Dragon-wolf left things haven’t been the same within the other legions...” Kent said.

“Yeah I guess you can say that but... Let’s leave it for another time... Now I want to ask you a question Kent I mean if that is okay?” Eunice asked.

“Sure, I had been asking you some questions so it would only be right that you ask your own questions...” Kent replied with a smile.

“””“Blush”” Ugh... If you have time after the mission... I mean... Do you want to grab a drink?” Eunice asked.

“Sure... I don’t mind...” Kent replied.

She closed her intercom the hacking was already complete the door slowly opened Kent and Eunice entered the command hub as she set up her other tools and started repairing the command control console.

“Boss, It seems like the outside is cleared according to Lily she is taking the wounded back to ring 2 and will be back in a few hours or so... but the Scorgon is on sentry mode still so we should be good I think...” Clayton reported.

“Guys check this out... It looks lie a really interesting...” Eunice said.

The two looked at the report that Eunice said as she played the latest entry log that she recovered. 

Entry log number 829m32

- As requested by Judicator Korvira lastroks many high value assets had been secretly taken to Cryonix facility level 179-23, Number of priority targets for cryo-gen lock initial target number 92.1m... Priority target for extraction and priority cryo-gen lock... 

“Why would a top secret facility inside the academy need to prioritize 1 person for cryo-gen... and who could that be anyway?” Kent asked. 

“Only one way to find out...” Eunice said as she tried to bypass the security system.

“Okay i got something... Only a name... Winterfell Frostwind... Why does that name sound familiar...” Eunice said.

“hmm we shall need to investigate this on our own... Rex, have you got the power turned on yet?” Kent asked.

“Not yet sir we found a slight complication...We could use an assist...” Rex replied.

“Alright Im heading to you now... Clay stay with Eunice and see what other information you can get.” Kent asked.

He went to where the problem was as Rex mentioned and it was not a slight complication. 

“This is not a slight complication Rex? This is a big problem... Eunice the power cell frame is ruptured the entire fuel cell has a massive hole in it!” Kent reported.

“This is going to be a problem... Kent their should be another power core replacement at the bottom levels sending you the coordinates now.” Eunice said.

“Okay, Rex you’re with me Marky, you and Genji keep an eye on things while we check out the bottom floors.” Kent ordered. 

The two made their way back to the main corridor and walked left where another elevator hall was present each elevator led to many other sub level facilities and the power cell room was just 3 levels below them. 

Kent pried open the elevator doors with his bare hands as one after another problems seemed to have no end.

“Looks like the elevators out Kent... I have my Rail clamp on me... want to grab on?” Rex asked.

“No thank you I’ll ride the cable down...” Kent replied as he jumped into the elevator shaft.

Kent managed to grab the cable as he slowly went down the two went down the elevator shaft as they descended Rex saw the doors were sealed shut.

The two jumped to the door and tore it open like before just as they entered level 3 the sudden burst of wind blew Kent’s balance off causing him to fall into the deeper parts of the facility. Rex tried to catch him but it was too late he missed him by a hair’s inch.

“KENT!!!” Rex shouted. 

“Rex, continue the mission!” Kent shouted as he faded into the abyss below.

 “Damn it fucking hell If I was fast enough or If I had a grapling hook!” Rex said as he slammed his fists on the floor.

After a moment or so Kent landed at level 180 where the supposed area Eunice said that contained Winterfell Frostwind.

Though he crashed through the elevator he was somehow okay as the Black Queen performed a systems check and the two viruses repaired the immediate threats into his body. 

“Agh that hurt a lot...” Kent said to himself.

HE then tried to contact the rest of the team since he was deep underground the communicator had some problems getting through. 

“It looks like we’re on our own... while we are at it... I might as well look around maybe I can find a way back to the others... Mom did you find anything?” Kent asked.

“I did... This facility was built as a fabrication for generation 7 class weapons... It was suppose to help the Knights of the Ancient Custodians a means to control rebellions by merely sending a single squad of knights... But it looks like the facility was overwhelmed during the Xer-razh rebellion... their should be an old frame for the Jump kit here... Because some of the facility’s data is corrupted I can’t pinpoint it’s exact location... I am sorry my dear.” The Black queen said.

“No worries... I’ll just think of it as an adventure for me... Switching optical nerves for night vision.” Kent said.

Before he left he saw a pile of bones near the reception area in front of the elevator. Kent saw a level 7 key card belonging to a Korvan Triako he then placed it in his pocket as it might prove useful in the future. 

His eyes immediately evolved to see clearly in the dark Kent walked through the corridors as he went deeper it became colder. 

Knowing his resistance to cold is dangerously low he still pushed on the Viruses inside his body that regulated the shell layer protection and blood flow immediately adapted and increased blood flow and temperature regulation to the point the cold never bothered him. 

Though the virus dislikes the cold their host form’s will pushes them to adapt as they work with a symbiotic relationship that the viruses cooperate with it’s sister form in order to achieve greater heights.

“So... Damn... cold... But... Must... Push... on!” Kent said as the cold was starting to affect his mind.

“Kent you need to get back to the main elevator your body’s resistance to the cold wont last 2 minutes...” The Black Queen pleaded.

“NO... Must... Rescue... Frost...”Kent replied.

After many minutes of walking passing corridor after corridor he managed to reach a massive blast door covered in ice. 

With all his remaining strength his arms generated enough heat enough to melt the ice in a matter of seconds. He slammed his fingers in between the blast doors and with all his might he forced the door open. 

The virus immediately transferred the heat into the surroundings though he fainted the virus got to work and removed the charred pieces of bio-steel muscle and skin and absorbed most of the re-inforced plating around him, converted it into programmable bio-matter and repaired and upgraded his arms and the Dark-crystorium skeletal frame. 

He woke up several hours later with his team right beside him. 

“Ugh... What happened... Wait what happened?” Kent asked.

“You were knocked out Kent... After I got the power back online I got Everyone to go down with me to find you and here we are...”Rex answered. 

“Don’t move Kent... you should rest first... We can take it from here.” Eunice said.

“No I can sleep back at the night hawk... Lets finish this...” Kent said as he tried to stand up. 

Clayton placed Kent’s arm over his shoulder to help him stand as he quoted Boss don’t worry you already did so much let us take things from here... You already did so much it’s time for the hero to rest and let his side kicks take it from here...

“Right, I don’t want you guys to call yourselves as side kicks we are all heroes in our own right.. Don’t you guys entitle yourselves as side kicks...” Kent stated.

“Yeah, yeah boss man... Euny, Rex... how goes the thing with that huge refrigerator looking... thing...” Clayton asked.

“It’s a personalized, self-sustaining cryogenic pod... from the looks of it this thing is still intact which is good... I’ll hack the controls Rex help me with the security locks.” Eunice said. 

As she hacked the computer the security system purged all external hacking and nearly fried her arm. 

“Okay so Hacking it is out of our options... We only have one or two more options...” Eunice stated.

“What are our options boss lady?” Clayton said as he rested Kent beside the wall.

“Our first option is to find a level 7 Key card which is only possessed by a head researcher... and we can find one in the administration office 150 levels above us... and the other... is to pry the cryogenic pod open and pray to Faith that the person inside it will survive long enough for us to get them to the night hawk so we can initiate the revival procedure there.” Eunice suggested. 

“We can’t go back up... the place is already crawling with creepy crawlies... So let’s pry it open instead Euny!!!” Clayton said.

“What if our target is actually the person inside the cryo-pod is our VIP... We can’t risk it...” Eunice emphasized on the mission.

“Lucky for you guys... I found something earlier... Take it from my pocket I think it will be useful...” Kent stated. 

“When did you get this?” Eunice asked as she grabbed it from his pocket.

“I was looking around the elevator corridor earlier and found a few things but i kept the key card in case it might come in handy... and it did.”Kent smiled as he tried to stand up.

“Kent don’t push yourself this key card should help us... Clay I am going to need you to stand near the doors of the cryogenic pod... Rex help me with the awakening sequence.” Eunice said.

She went back to the command control unit and placed the level 7 key card in it as the systems of the facility became alive.

Level 7 clearance identified welcome Head Doctor Korvan Triako, Do you wish to proceed with the revival protocol? 

Eunice pressed the Y key on the keyboard as the A.I. of the facility initiated the revival protocols as it completely melted the ice that formed in level 180 and began reviving the VIP inside the Cryo-gen pod.

“Heart rate elevation 10 per second and steadily rising, blood pressure flow 30/61 and rising... Hmm that is odd...” Eunice said.

“What about it?” Kent asked.

“These stats would technically speaking will kill a person... But this is no ordinary person... Hmmm... A.I. Identify person in the pod... send data to nearest Holo-pad!” Eunice asked.

“Request access granted...” The A.I. stated.

“Wow that was easy... and here I thought we are about to enter into a boss fight or something...” Clayton added.

“Big Bro, you know I love you but that kind of talk will jinx us you know! Remember Ralka?” Genji said.

“Right but that kind of thing doesn’t happen twice? I mean wh in the right mind would put us through so much...” Clayton added.

“I seriously think the academy is about to prove us wrong... Guys keep quiet we have company!” Marky stated.

“How many?”Kent asked.

“We have a dozen baddies... wait a minute... No way...” Marky whispered.

“Why... what do you even see?” Eunice asked.

“We have knight candidates I can’t make it out... but It’s from team Beta... They look like they are heavily equiped to kill Ma’am!” Marky reported.

“Then we lock ourselves here for the moment... We have to buy time for the revival process to complete...” Kent said.

“Damn it... I know who might team Beta be... I think it might be my know it all stuck up brother... Kolson Striker...” Eunice stated.

“I have one question... Is he here to help or going to kill us?” Kent asked.

“Most likely the 2nd one... He wants to succeed Mom and he will even sacrifice everything to get what he wants... Hence my left hand is mostly cybernetic.” Eunice said as she showed everyone her hand.

“I see... Well then...”“crack neck”“ It’s time to nutt up or shut up...”Kent said as his arms fully repaired itself.

He grabbed his swords and went to the blast door with Rex and Clayton stood right behind him. 

“We got your back Kent!” Rex said.

“What’s the game plan boss?” Clayton said as he reloaded his chain-gun.

“Simple, I draw them in, Rex, you snipe with your pistols, Clayton... I can’t believe I’m saying this but... Tear them a new one!” Kent ordered.

“Got it!”Clayton saluted.

Eunice sighed as she opened the gate the three walked out the blast doors she only asked to spare her brother. 

As the blast doors closed behind them Eunice told the three that they only have 3 minutes before the revival procedure is complete.

“Okay, so... I’ll take the bastards on the left?” Clayton asked.

“Fine I’ll take the other knight candidates on the right...” Rex sighed as he reloaded his pistols.

“That leaves me with Korvan... Great... alright time to nut up or shut up!” Kent said as he gripped his blades.

He faced off against a knight for the first time in a few months after facing his Father and his elites.

Korvan aimed his battle axe at Kent with a smile as he slowly approached him saying I have to thank you for saving my useless sister at least she still has some worth... So hand over what is inside that blast door and I’ll let you live... Don’t make this any harder... I already gave up so many idiots to get here... so just make things easy... HAND OVER THAT FROSTWIND WEAPON OR ELSE THIS WILL GET BLOODY!

Kent didn’t even bother talking as he threw the Trail igniter at Korvan and charged him without a second of reprieve. Korvan shrugged off the sword throw and delivered a axe wave at Kent though he barely able to dodge his attack.

He countered by throwing several knives at Kovran and grabbed the Trail Igniter and charged at him slicing his armor and kicked him in the back. Korvan’s armor was too thick for both the Trail igniter and Blaze Ripper to do any significant damage as Korvan split his axe and threw them at Kent.

The young knight blocked his axes but Korvan managed to close the gap Kent countered with a powerful side kick sending him flying to the wall.

He took the time to merge the two blades together and pulled out another set of knives and threw them at Korvan.

“Is that really what you can do... I guess a fake Knight is all bark and no bite! Maybe that is why your father married a harvested human bitch!” Korvan said as he got out of the wall.

Korvan recalled his battle axe as Kent charged him and blocked his sword swing but something was off. Kent’s sword strike grew stronger He parried his block and delivered a double slice and kicked him in the chest nailing him to the wall. 

Kent charged at Korvan he rolled to the side and tried to deliver a deep cut at his right arm. Kent managed to block his attack but Korvan immediately grabbed his arm and managed to force Kent to break his grip on his weapon.

He then threw Kent aside and kicked his great sword aside Korvan threw his battle axe at him though he was able to dodge it Korvan closed the gap punched Kent in the stomach followed by an upper cut.

Kent got back up and delivered a chop to the head that was a fake and returned the upper cut at Korvan in a split second the virus reinforced his knuckles. He managed to deliver over 500 kilograms of force in his punch breaking his Jaw and grabbed his ankle and threw him to the slave marines that nearly overwhelmed Clayton. 

“Clay, you okay?” Kent shouted.

“Yeah thanks for the assist!” Clayton said as he picked up Kent’s weapon partner and handed it to Kent.

“Thank you my friend, come on let’s go help Rex!” Kent said.

By the time they reached Rex the two other knight candidates were bloodied and full of bullet wounds and shrapnel.

“Wow, nice job Rex!”Kent saluted.

“““heavy breathing”“ Well knights are pretty fucking hard to take down... Sorry Kent... But my god... I am out of breath...” Rex said as he took out his flask.

“Still good work everyone... Let’s get back we took about ten minutes to take them down.” Kent replied.

The three ran back to the blast doors when more marines and Knight candidates from other teams entered the Cryo-pod room and started shooting them. Rex and Clayton took cover near the door as Kent deflected and or blocked the laser and bullet fire that were aimed at him.

“Well looks like we wont be able to get inside... Damn our luck!” Clayton stated.

“You do realize that you just jinxed us earlier?”Rex stated.

“Hey, can a guy be fucking optimistic in this particular situation?” Clayton replied.

“Well we can be optimistic and judgemental about this later for now we need to survive!” Kent added as he deflected sniper fire back towards the shooter.

the three held their ground as more and more candidates and recruits surrounded them they were running out of ammunition. As more and more marines and knight candidates fell to the three after several hours of fighting they were eventually surrounded. 

The other teams demanded to Kent to unlock the blast doors as he stated to them that his team on the other side should have escaped with the VIP. They were about to get killed in the most brutal fashion when the temperature slowly dropped around the team.

“What the... The temperature is slowly dropping but not all over the room but around us Boss man?” Clayton stated.

“I think we are about to find out look!” Kent said pointing at the blast doors.

Everyone saw the blast doors was slowly freezing to the point the entire room’s temperature reached -40 kelvin everyone was afraid as the blast doors exploded releasing a powerful blast of ice that trapped almost everyone in thick freezing ice. 

“To my saviors thank you for saving me... Now that I am free from my pod... I must return the favor...” A cold beauty said.

“Wow, its an queen... Literally!” Clayton said as a cold beauty walked towards them.

A girl with long white hair and almost pail skin with blue eyes approached them as she removed the ice storm around them. She smiled and looked at Kent with a smile on her face and told them that they all need to escape the facility together.

“Ugh... Thank you for saving us?” Kent said.

“You are welcome my savior but pleasantries can wait for now we must escape... I do not want to be enclosed in this place any longer...” The girl said.

“Not to sound rude or anything madam snow queen but you can’t go outside naked if you don’t mind me saying... and though you have a rocking bod... but again... We can;t let you leave without wearing anything!” Clayton added.

Kent sighed as Rex and Marky face palmed though he made an excellent point she realized her current situation when Eunice grabbed a special black yet very fashionable skin suit built for the snow queen. 

As she put it on they all ran towards the main elevator shaft to see the cable car that the team came in was wrecked and the cable was cut. 

“Well this is a problem... Eunice options?” Kent asked.

“Well we can take the emergency stair well... Its pretty safe to be honest...” Eunice suggested.

“Ugh stairs... If we are walking back to the top... Fuck i forgot I skipped leg day!” Clayton added.

“I have to appreciate your confidence and can do attitude sometimes Clay...” Kent stated with an awkward smile.

“If I may suggest I have a suggestion for you... Everyone board the wrecked cable car.” The Snow queen said.

She then snapped her fingers as ice began to form beneath the wrecked car and pushed them up slowly but surely they will reach the top floor in a few minutes or so.

“Now that we have some time to ourselves again... My Lady... I am Kent Redridge, of the15th Legion and Knight Lord candidate to the Dragon-wolf... It is an honor to meet you.” Kent bowed. 

“The pleasure is all mine... I am Winterfell Frostwind... But you may call me Winter, I am the crown princess of the Frost Wolves...” Winter said. 

“Wait... The Frost wolves... Ugh...” Eunice said.

“Why do you know of my family, how have they been, are they all doing okay, and what of legion Master Volgan is he doing well?” Winter asked.

“Um, you may need to sit down for this one... This is going to be a long day...” Eunice said as she started explaing.

At the height of the 1st Great War the Demons invaded the world of Dark-ice was invaded by a massive demonic hoard lead by the Yul-gar the defiler. 

Though the 6th, 7th and 15th Legion were able to respond at the time all knight legions had stretched their forces so thin that they were barely able to send a full combat strength.

A massive battle broke out all across the planet despite their home field advantage. Almost 80% of the Frostwolves were wiped out including the Frostwind family were brutally murdered.

The remaining Frostwolves refused to join the other legions instead they stayed with the Dragon-wolf because of their standing history of camaraderie. It was until after the 1st Great war that the Frostwolves decided to find the last heir after so many eons. 

The Frostwolves never lost hope to find you and still continued to be a nomadic race to this day in hopes of finding the last heir. 

Winter closed her eyes as she couldn’t accept the fact her family was gone and most of her legion the family she held dear was almost gone.

As tears began to fall from her eyes she could not bare to ask how long she was asleep.

“My Lady... You have been asleep for almost 50 million years... “ Kent said.

“No... No, no, no, no, no, no...” Winter said as she broke down crying.

She fell to her knees crying Kent comforted her as best as he could as they reached the top floor. What awaited them was nothing close to a friendly welcome a large number of Marines in service to Korvan were waiting for them. 

As they aimed their guns at his team Kent and his team defended the VIP but her pain and sorrow turned into anger. With a powerful shout she unleashed a powerful hurricane of ice that killed all of them in a single hit. 

“ARGH!!!” Winter shouted.

“My Lady calm down... please!” Kent pleaded.

No one was able to reach her as the last princess slowly lost control of her powers. Kent asked for forgiveness as he knocked her out with a neck chop and carried her in his arms.

“Rex cover me we are leaving!” Kent ordered.

The team managed to regroup at the Landing platform where the Night Hawk was waiting.

“Wait is that the VIP?” Lily asked.

“Yes Lily, please prepare Medical bay for immediate treatment... We have a lot of explaining to do...” Kent replied.

“Okay, get her to the med bay let’s get back to Ring 2, Judicator Voraiha wants to speak with you Kent...” Lily explained.

“Okay for now lets get out of here first!” Kent stated as he carried Winter to the medical bay.

Several hours later at Ring 2 of the Academy in the Central Administration building Kent faced the council of Judicators.

“Kent I understand you and your team managed to complete your objective yes?” Judicator Aaron asked.

‘Yes sir my team and I were able to secure the facility but the security drone manufacturing and Tesla spires were destroyed. Please forgive me about my incompetence...” Kent reported. 

“No, need for apologies you had to secure the facility somehow but still this brings great news with the manufacturing facility secured we shall be able to help the other legions.... But Lady Winterfell Frost wind... I understand she is under your care yes? And she request to be placed under your care...” Judicator Tarkon said.

“Yes Judicator Tarkon, she has requested to remain under my team she refused to return to her legion as of this time. though I protested that she return to give hope back to the Frost wolves but she would like to collect herself first before she returns... She would also like to contact my Mother and father and wished to talk with them... With your permission Judicators?” Kent asked.

“It is permitted but Kent... Because of your success in securing the facility you have earned the merit of leadership.... It gives me no joy to tell you  of the multiple dead and critically wounded that your team mate Lilian Starseeker brought in for treatment... You are to be punished for your failure in rebelling against your fellow nobles... And you have failed to defend yourself against the Nobleman Korvan when he protested his leadership against your own...” Judicator Kaivon said.

“What, Judicators please I implore you we did not kill any of them... We only acted out of self defense... Though we tried our best to avoid conflict... If we did not do anything to defend ourselves then my team and I would be dead... Or Lady Winter’s fury could be unleashed!” Kent protested.

“Enough, You shall be punished for killing your own and that is final... You shall be sentenced to 500 lashes by Cat o' nine tails... Repent for your failures... Kent... As you favor to call yourself a hero after all!” Judicator Kaivon said as he ended the meeting.

The Knights cuffed Kent and brought him to the punishment chamber and received 500 whips. They coated the whips with a special toxin that burns the skin and also electrocutes the nervous systems.

Kent was cuffed against a stone slab as many of the recruits including his team were forced to watch as two of the Vindicators and Judicator Kaivon himself delivered the punishment. 

“Listen one and all... For this is discipline for lacking the conviction to survive for no demon will shall show mercy or remorse... a Knight must know these rules in order to have a chance to survive... This Fool calls himself a hero... but lacks the conviction to kill those who attacked him! The choices he made to save lives is worthless so long as the enemy lives... We do this not for our own conviction but to show you that the enemy will NEVER show mercy! Kent do you have anything to say to your batch mates before your lesson begins? ” Kaivon shouted.

“I did the right thing and saved lives I have no regrets.” Kent said.

“So be it...” Kaivon said as he started whipping Kent.

Kaivon delivered the first whip and hit Kent right in the eye and followed by the other two knights for the next 2 hours each whipping was long and brutal they made sure that the punishment will bare a mark on his psyche. 

With each whipping he received they expected him to scream in pain but no scream was heard from his voice. 

Rex, Lily and the others including Winter couldn’t bare to see the punishment as soon as it was over they immediately rushed to Kent’s side and helped him back to the Ship. 

“Boss, You should have fought back.”Clayton said as he sat him down on the medical bed.

“No, If I fought back you guys would have received the punishment... I won’t let that happen... I will bare this no matter what...”Kent said.

“Kent, I am reporting this to Lady Charlotte!” Lily said.

“No don’t Mom was already furious when I joined the Knights and if she knew about this she will pull me and Chimera out including you as well...” Kent stated.

“I don’t care... If becoming a knight and Me a medical officer means you receive punishment then no this is NOT WORTH IT!” Lily protested.

“Kent, Lily is Right you don’t have to be a hero for us... Let us bare the brunt of it...” Eunice pleaded.

“No... If you all were to speak out.. .then you would take that punishment i will not allow that to happen for you lot are my family... ” Kent said.

“Kent, I thank you for coming to my aide... You should not have punished for saving all those lives this is clearly unjust... ” Winter asked. 

“It’s fine I knew this was coming because the academy must train knights in a ruthless manner and they will burn it in our heads...” Kent stated.

“Kent... we have a slight issue... What ever they put into their whips the regeneration factor isn’t working... Though your blood managed to shut down the nerves affected but the cells wont regenerate... I need to take a sample... But you need your rest first... Everyone please exit the medical facility... This is going to take a while.”Lily said.

While Lily took a blood sample she found out that the toxin coated on the blades were a special venom found in a Trigorlva mantis found in the 2nd legion homewolrld of Fade. The toxin prevents any form of cellular regeneration and will experience a slow burning sensation as their organs turn into juice and the victim dies.

The team flew back to their bunker and later that day Lily worked on fixing a counter agent for the toxin. Rex and Eunice took over for the mean time and managed the bunker for the mean time. 

Winter called the Dragon-wolf queen Charlotte that night it did not come at an easy time for her. 

The days ahead of them will be hard but knowing that his team is safe was more than enough for him. Yet a lingering feeling of doubt grew from that day made him question of what is right in becoming a Knight... 

Days passed when Kent received the reward and punishment though he made a full recovery. Winter demanded to join team Zeta in honor of Kent’s team and his sacrifice for protecting them. 

According to the Ancient Records Winterfell Frostwind is one of few who earned the title of Legendary High Ace meaning she is one of few pilots that have over 300 years of experience. 

She took over Lily’s duty as the pilot of the Night Hawk and modified her room to emit cold temperatures matching to her home world of Dark-ice. Lily updated her skin suit with a temperature regulator and an holo-tool. 

Months turned to years as Kent and his team were given one challenge after the other and each were performed admirably every time his team was asked to commit any act that involved killing people who do not deserve it. HE takes the punishment that was meant for his team mates the more he received the more hatred built inside him that waited patiently to be unleashed. 

During this time the young knight still held on to his family’s belief but over time he started to question what he is suppose to fight. As the line blurred between good and evil his team did their very best to keep him in the same path as he goes by today.

Eunice stood right beside Kent every step of the way as their relationship bloomed from unlikely colleagues to almost lovers. But nothing on creation is said and done until it is finished.

One mission on the Black Citadel one of the most dangerous training area in the entire academy where two teams are pitted against each other in live fire exercise. 

Kent’s team were barely able to win against team Whiskey-1 who had a dreadknight mech suit with them but Kent was able to beat it down by slicing it’s legs, ripping it’s right arm off and forcefully aimed its rear turret at it’s main reactor nearly killing the pilot. 

As the mech fell to the ground Kent ripped open it’s torso and dragged the near dead pilot to the center with blood thirsty eyes. He threw the near dead pilot to his team mates as he cracked his knuckles and stretched his neck the sound of bones clicking could be heard.

“”“Sigh”“ Are we done here?” Kent asked.

“Not yet Kent, we have 1 more battle... Damn it its Alpha...” Rex sighed.

“Can we take a fucking break... My chain gun arm is killing me! And We have been fighting none-stop for the past few days and if I have to eat 1 more ration pack I am seriously going cannibal...” Clayton said as he rested on top of his chain gun.

“It’s okay... The next fight is just a 3 on 3... Rex, Euny can you still fight?” Kent asked.

“Yeah, I still have one more fight in me...” Rex added as he reloaded his pistols.

“Good... EUNY WATCH OUT!!!” Kent shouted as he ran to Eunice’s side.

Before Eunice could say anything one of the Knights candidates of the enemy team rushed towards Eunice from behind and nearly stabbed her in the throat. 

Kent pushed her aside and grabbed the Knight candidate as the candidate stabbed Kent’s arm without rest. 

The young knight snapped as his rage got the better of him and snapped his neck and threw him at the destroyed dread knight suit as it exploded.

He looked back at her terrified of the knights as time seemed to slow down as Knight Vindicators jumped down from the observation deck and arrested Kent.

“Don’t arrest him he only saved me for self defense!” Eunice pleaded.

“As Decreed in the code of honor any knight lord candidate should kill a knight candidate will be subjected to death.” VIndicator Ryan said as they cuffed Kent.

“ENOUGH, I HAD LONG STOOD AGAINST THIS OUT RAGE AGAINST MY COUSIN!!! Vindicator Ryan let him go right now or I will flash freeze you to the point that your brothers will need an ice pick and 3000 years to break you out!” Winter protested.

“The Ice queen is right if you guys say that the strong survives then the boss just saved a Knight Archaena Candidate... Doesn’t that merit anything at all?” Clayton asked as he grabbed his chain gun.”

Just before the Vindicators took Kent away Judicator Kaivon approached them and it was found out that he absolutely hates Kent for his abominable origins and what hides inside his blood. 

“How about this my Lady... Care to make a wager?”Kaivon asked.

“Kaivon, you dare to show yourself to me... After you deliberately sabotage my cousin time and time again... I have every right to tell on you to the Legion master of the Dragon-wolf and the Frost wolves... so how about this... You let Kent go or else My legion and the Dragon-wolf will start killing your people?” Winter said as ice weapons began to form around her arms.

“No my dear... Please... I am here to offer a middle ground since you lot still have 9 months to graduate... How about this... The accused will be sent to Hell’s gate and for the next 7 months he will be alone... and face off against the most hellish beasts in the past 2 wars... should he survive I will relingquish my role as judicator and return anything... I took from him... Do we have a deal?” Kaivon asked.

“No, Absolutely not I know what lies in Hell’s gate is a death sentence... The monsters their are all ranked 51 to 98 and if you send him their it will mean death for him and his soul!” Winter shouted.

“You have no choice in this matter... I will give you one day to decide... Or its the chopping block for him...” Kaivon said as he walked away laughing. 

The team were sent back to their bunker to decide his fate they all talked it out in the Night Hawk’s strategy room as everything seemed to be falling apart for them yet the worse is yet to come.

“Guys, Enough is enough we have to report this to Miss Charlotte!” Winter said.

“I tried... the communicator we have is being jammed by the Academy... Nothing is going in or out of this sector without the Judicators knowing Miss Winter.” Lily added.

“Then How about the Fusion Collider rail-cannon on the Night Hawk if we over-clock it’s plasma core it should be enough to tear open a rift to the outside?” Clayton said.

“We can’t any new portals made within the academy will be detected almost immediately the only thing we can do is if somehow we can get a message to the outside...” Lily added.

“We are running out of time... Can’t we use the Night Hawk’s advent Hyper jump core to get everyone out of the academy?” Rex suggested.

“It’s possible but it would require massive amounts of power to break through the dimensional barrier... And we would be inviting some bigger threats into the academy if we do that.” Lily said as she placed her holo-pad on the table.

“So what the ever living fuck can we do now?” Clayton asked.

“I’ll go check on Kent...” Eunice said.

“Please do so miss Eunice.” Winter said as the team thought of a plan. 

Eunice walked back to the bunker to hear the loud clashing of metal as the training room’s lights were on. She took a quick glance and saw Kent was fighting against a rank 61 Training drone with no basic protection with his knuckles and shin were already drenched in blood.

As the training drone delivered a powerful swing hitting Kent in the face he shrugged it off and continued their training. 

Eunice turned off the training drone as she grabbed a first aide kit when she approached Kent his killing intent aura was surging out of control. She tried to reach out to Kent with a slow glance his eyes were black with a silver pupil as if he was not even human anymore.

"Kent, Please let me help you...” Eunice said.

He closed his eyes and sat next to her as she bandaged his injuries as best as she could. 

Eunice sighed as she looked at Kent who was broken as she told him that everything will be okay.

He slowly shook his head as he told her that all that he did was to protect the innocent and he will always hesitate to kill people no matter what but he is starting to believe that Killing might be the better solution. 

“Kent, No don’t Killing was never your path... You made me realize that Killing people specially our own species is wrong.... Don’t give up on yourself. Like you never gave up on me...” Eunice said.

“I... What am I... to you Eunice...” Kent asked.

“What do you mean we’re together... You and me...” Eunice said.

“I wish that were true... Leave me...” Kent said as he got back up.

“Kent wait your injuries... please.” Eunice said as she grabbed his arm.

Eunice tried to calm him down but he shrugged her off she pleaded with him to calm down but he did not as he told her a truth.

“You said that we would stand together... I thought you loved me... But... I guess you already had plans when you went with Kane and told him about our teams plans and strategies...” Kent said as he slammed his fist on the bunker wall.

“Wait Kent that wasn’t...” Eunice said.

“No... I saw you and you back at ring 2 and you already made your choice... Get out of my sight.” Kent said as he walked it.

“Kent Let me explain!” Eunice said as she tried to calm him down.

As his heart beat raged out of control as tears began to fall from his eyes the young knight had no full understanding of his emotions. He simply ran out of the training room as his tears didn’t stop falling Rex and Lily saw him running towards the bunker’s exit. 

“Kent!” Rex said as he ran out of the bunker.

“Ken, wait we have... Oh no...” Lily said as she saw him crying.

Lily and Rex found Eunice packing her speed bike Rex stopped her from leaving as Lily took out the ignition coil.

“Lily Get out of the way I am going to look for him!” Eunice said.

“No... I told you that plan of yours will break Kent... I specifically warned you that he is no ordinary person... He was trained at birth to BE A KNIGHT... HE HAS NO IDEA OF HIS OWN EMOTIONS... AND WHAT YOU PUSHED MY HALF BROTHER TO BE A HERO THAT YOU WANT... DID YOU EVER FOR ONCE CONSIDER HIS OWN FEELINGS?” Lily shouted.

“I’m sorry... I don’t have any Idea that this might happen... Lily, Rex... Please help me find him!” Eunice begged.

Eunice grabbed the ignition coil from Lily and drove away on her bike as Lily scoffed as she went to the Night Hawk with Rex not far behind her.

“Lily tell us what the hell happened!” Rex asked.

“”“sigh”“ about 2 years ago I found out that Eunice was consistently keeping in touch with Alpha team... She kept giving our mission Intel and strategy to them in exchange for some stat’s point for the entire team...” Lily said.

“What that bitch!!! I knew something was off when we keep asking her to come with us for supplies and keeps going to the upper ring district!” Clayton added.

“Not to mention she used Kent and pushed him to go through back to back missions that weren't suppose to be for him but for the upper ring teams... What’s worse she willingly manipulated Kent thinking that they are lovers but she only planned to use him as a battery!!! All because Eunice despises being with us and wanted to get more... So she used each and everyone of us...” Lily explained.

“Wait... This all happened because Eunice wasn’t satisfied with being friends or even team mates with us... well I would understand Clay but... Us... I mean we do our best to improve the conditions of the bunker but... Damn... We have to Find Kent first!” Marky stated.

“Wait before we do shit... Lily you knew all this and didn’t bother to tell us?” Clayton asked.

“I only told, Rex and Lady Winter I didn’t tell it to everyone because you would Kill Eunice on the get go!”Lily said.

“Enough, We can talk about this Later... Lily have you found him yet?” Winter asked.

“No Ma’am his tracking beacon isn’t responding it’s as if his blood is tampering with it!” Lily Reported.

After many hours of trying to find the berserk Knight no one was able to find him the team returned to the bunker. 

The team went to the briefing room and found one priority message in the computer as Rex opened it his eyes opened as he called for everyone.

“Rex what the hell man can’t we take a break or something?!” Clayton asked.

“No Clay, listen to this!” Rex said as he read the letter aloud.

Team Zeta, you are here by suspended from any Military based operation as one Kent Redridge had reported early to Hell’s gate from the date stated for the trial. As we speak the trial of Hell’s gate had begun and will end 7 months to date. The roster of team Zeta shall be updated in 7 months time. 

“Wait Kent went ahead to Hell’s gate... Shit! We have to go and find the bastard.” Clayton said.

“Too late... Look at the news!” Marky said.

Marky played the Academy news as it said about a single knight entered Hell’s Gate Level 7 for the trial of innocence. No one will be able to re-open the gate from the outside once the trial is complete.

Nothing could change the fact that the team was betrayed by one of their own as the day sets the only thing they could do was hope that everything will be work out within the next 7 months.

The only thing they never considered was another set of eyes were always watching from a far eagerly waiting for the day for them to act to take their vengeance against that wronged them.